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“I’m Alive”: Resurfaced Interview Shows Nelson Piquet’s Unsettling Comments Toward Deceased F1 Champion Amid Lewis Hamilton Row

Published 06/29/2022, 6:59 AM EDT

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The Formula 1 world has been shocked ever since a video footage of former Brazilian racer Nelson Piquet using racial slurs to describe seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was released. This incident happened after the Mercedes driver collided with Max Verstappen in the 2021 British GP.

The Dutchman suffered a 51-G impact crash while Hamilton ultimately won the race. Following this, the F1 and the FIA have released a statement regarding the racial abuse suffered by Hamilton. Now, another entangling video of the three-time world champion popped up on social media.

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In the video, Piquet seems to have taken a jibe at the legendary Ayrton Senna. While talking about his rivalry with Senna, he said, “Another journalist asked me, ‘be honest, who’s the best? You or Senna? I said I’m alive,” to which the interviewer replied, “that’s harsh.”

The former McLaren legend suffered an enormous crash during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. As a result, he tragically passed away in the aftermath of the incident. Many current F1 drivers, including Hamilton, consider him a role model for his incredible prowess behind the wheel.

“Who the F*ck is Nelson Piquet?”: Lewis Hamilton Goes On Savage Twitter Spree Silencing Former Champion’s Racist Remarks

Senna and Piquet’s rivalry was intense, especially since the former McLaren driver outdid Piquet during the 1988 season. Senna dethroned the fellow Brazilian during the season and earned huge plaudits for his performances.

F1 world back Lewis Hamilton after racial slurs by Nelson Piquet

Both F1 and the FIA issued statements following Piquet’s use of racial terms towards Hamilton. The Briton himself took to social media to voice his opinion. Following this, the likes of Charles Leclerc, Daniel Ricciardo, George Russell and several fellow F1 drivers backed him.

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via Reuters

Leclerc, who is chasing Verstappen for the world championship, wrote, “Knowing Lewis since I arrived in Formula 1, he has always been kind and respectful to me and everyone that he meets. Those values should be the standard towards anybody around the world.”

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“The comments made towards Lewis should not be tolerated, and we should continue to push for a more diverse and inclusive sport. We need to remove discriminatory behaviour and racist language in any form from not just our sport, but our society as well.”

The F1 world certainly condemns any form of racist language used. So, the question remains whether Nelson Piquet will release a statement regarding the incident after the F1 circus has voiced their opinion.

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Written by:

Rahul Madhavan

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Rahul Madhavan is a Formula 1 writer at EssentiallySports. After completing his Bachelor's degree in business administration, he is pursuing his love for sports in the form of writing. Rahul is an avid McLaren fan, who also enjoys writing about soccer.
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Edited by:

Ranvijay Singh